OBJECTIVE: To observe and compare the markers of fetal onset adult diseases among low birthweight (<2500 grams, LBW) and normal birthweight (> or =2500 grams, NBW) babies at 16 years of age. METHODS: Comparative cross sectional analysis of two groups of cohorts followed-up at 1 year and 16 years of age at Child Development Centre (CDC), Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram. 189 LBW babies formed the study group and 213 NBW babies formed the comparison group. At 16 years, the parameters used for assessment of both the groups were, body mass index (BMI) and the markers of fetal onset adult diseases fasting blood glucose level, fasting plasma insulin level, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein, high density lipoprotein and triglycerides. RESULTS: High triglyceride values and overweight/obesity were significantly more in LBW adolescents when compared to NBW adolescents. This has policy implications in planning adolescent nutrition and care programs in India.
OBJECTIVE: To observe and compare the markers of fetal onset adult diseases among low birthweight (<2500 grams, LBW) and normal birthweight (> or =2500 grams, NBW) babies at 16 years of age. METHODS: Comparative cross sectional analysis of two groups of cohorts followed-up at 1 year and 16 years of age at Child Development Centre (CDC), Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram. 189 LBW babies formed the study group and 213 NBW babies formed the comparison group. At 16 years, the parameters used for assessment of both the groups were, body mass index (BMI) and the markers of fetal onset adult diseases fasting blood glucose level, fasting plasma insulin level, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein, high density lipoprotein and triglycerides. RESULTS: High triglyceride values and overweight/obesity were significantly more in LBW adolescents when compared to NBW adolescents. This has policy implications in planning adolescent nutrition and care programs in India.